Presidential visit puts Phoenix high school in spotlight
Aug 6, 2013, 6:57 AM | Updated: 1:50 pm
PHOENIX — The school colors are midnight blue and Vegas gold, but Tuesday, Desert Vista High School is rolling out the red carpet.
With a scheduled visit from President Barack Obama in the afternoon, school officials said it has been a whirlwind of activity on the Ahwatukee campus prepping for his appearance.
Principal Anna Battle said she got the call Thursday night but didn’t believe it.
“I thought it was hoax at first. I called the superintendent with Tempe Union High School District and he assured me it wasn’t a hoax.”
Battle’s weekend plans turned into preparing for the presidential visit but she had help from parents and staff. She said about 800 in the senior class will be able to attend the president’s speech along with selected teachers.
“We’ll have three students who are seniors singing the national anthem. A senior will do the Pledge (of Allegiance). Our student body president will be part of the greeting crew.”
The rest of the student body will be in class during the visit.
The president is expected to speak around 1 o’clock.